These filtered results can be useful, but it is still important to check where the image came from for any specific terms and conditions on individual images.

Using images direct from search results is risky with respect to copyright infringement and not at all recommended.

Someone else built my website, how do I know where my images came from?

This can be one of the trickiest parts of the copyright equation for small business owners.

If you hired a developer to provide you with content for your website then you are trusting that developer to confirm that images provided are done so in good faith of clean copyright.

The first thing to consider is to ask your developer for the receipts to the stock images purchased.

Demand Proof of Receipt for all Stock Photos used on your website.

The next step would be to ask for a list of where each image came from for the project in question.

If you can’t contact a previous developer, you could try to find the images used on your site at known stock photo resources.

Once you find the images in question, you can always re-purchase them in an account you manage to ensure that you have the proper credentials.

Replacing images that are questionable…

Have no idea where specific images came from on your website?

Don’t risk a copyright violation. Replace them with stock content or content that you have created and own.

If you aren’t sure about your content, do yourself a favor and replace the images in question before a copyright violation.

If you know how to edit your own website, grabbing a few stock photo replacements and installing them on your site is smart.

It is also the safe way to know that all the images on your website are free and clear to use.

If you don’t know how to edit your site, hire a content development consultant or local web designer.

Let them assist you with the replacement of images that are questionable.

The couple hundred dollars it will cost your business is far less headache than having to hire legal representation over a copyright dispute.

I was contacted by a law firm for copyright infringement, now what?

The first question is what did you receive?

If you received a DMCA take-down notice, or a Cease & Desist letter, promptly comply with the demands to take down the images.

Next, notify them that the accidental use of the copyrighted image was fixed immediately.

If, unfortunately, you received a demand letter that threatens a Federal Lawsuit with Statutory Damages for the use of copyrighted images, the best advice we can provide is to speak to qualified legal counsel.

If a copyright owner has taken the time to get a law firm involved, it is likely that it will require legal assistance to fully resolve the situation at hand.

The first step is to request proof of ownership of the copyrighted material.

You want to make sure that the images in question are actually owned by the people that are threatening legal action against your business.

There are a number of resources online that can help you walk-through the process of infringement demands, especially with respect to known copyright trolls.

Conclusion

An unintentional infringement of image copyrights is not an issue that you can ignore.

Best case, resolving legitimate copyright disputes can cost your company hundreds of dollars in settlements.

Worst case, legitimate copyright claims can suck you into the void of a Federal Copyright Lawsuit requiring professional legal representation. And that isn’t cheap!

The easiest way to protect yourself is to ensure that all the images used on your company website are free and clear of any copyright protections.

The best time to do that is long before an issue arises.

As the owner of a website, it is your responsibility to make sure that the content that you use to market your business is used in accordance with copyright protections. Ignorance is not a valid defense against copyright claims!

Take the time to confirm the usage rights of the content you use on your website.

Save yourself the hassle of getting involved in the world of copyright infringement and sleep soundly knowing your content is yours!

Have you ever dealt with a copyright dispute related to your website content? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.

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About the Author

Not Fade Away Marketing is a full-service digital marketing and custom web design service located in Boca Raton, Florida. We specialize in online business solutions, custom tailored to fit the specific needs, goals and objectives of our valued clientele. At Not Fade Away, we provide freelance marketing and web design results for clients in all locations. Work with us over email and phone remotely or meet with us locally face to face for solutions to your most challenging business branding, digital marketing and online objectives.